Where to eat on Marathon Monday

It's a race to the finish line.

Inside the bar at Audubon.

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Which is harder: Running 26.2 miles or finding a seat on Marathon Monday in a decent bar on Boylston Street? It’s no easy feat to make it through the lines at Boston’s most popular bars and restaurants on April 18th, and with private parties galore you might find yourself giving up and going home. But don’t miss out on the fun — here’s our guide to grabbing a bite on our favorite day of the year.

Up Close and Personal

Want a seat directly on the course? They’re tough to come by, but it’s possible. Audubon (838 Beacon St.) is tucked onto Beacon Street right before the turn into Kenmore, while Island Creek Oyster Bar (500 Comm Ave.) is right in the thick of the Square. Hungry race-goers can enjoy a local seafood-heavy menu, alongside seasonal cocktails and extensive wine and beer lists. Bar Boulud (776 Boylston St.) is by far the classiest option with the best view of the finish line, but don’t get your hopes up for a seat on the patio, because it’ll be closed.

Far Out

If you’d rather hang further out on the course, Brookline has plenty of awesome options. Stoked Pizza (1632 Beacon St.) will have their brick-and-mortar location officially open for the big day, while classic mainstays like Washington Square Tavern (714 Washington St.) and Cityside Bar & Grill (1960 Beacon St.) will be packed with thirsty revelers.

Bacon, Egg & Avocado toast from Poe's Kitchen at the Rattlesnake.

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Just Off the Course

If you don’t care about seeing the runners in action, but still want to hang in the midst of everything, there’s tons of spots to choose from. Right by the marathon’s turn from Hereford to Boylston is Dillon’s (955 Boylston St.) which opens at 8a.m. on Marathon day. There’s a great patio for lounging, but do prepare to pay a cover charge. Their sister spots Clery’s (113 Dartmouth St.) and Brownstone (111 Dartmouth St.) are also nearby. Precinct Kitchen + Bar (154 Berkeley St.) at the Loews Boston Hotel on Stuart St. is also just a stone’s throw from the course, and will be having a party from 12-8 sponsored by Sam Adams.

Poe’s Kitchen at The Rattlesnake (384 Boylston St.), which will open early at 10a.m. ($10 admission, FYI) will be pushing a carb-heavy menu with specials like Meyer Lemon & Kale Pesto Pappardelle with roasted mushroom and asparagus salsa, topped with asiago cheese ($18). MET Back Bay (279 Dartmouth St.) will serve brunch until 3:30pm (try the breakfast fries, or build your own Bloody Mary) while Tico (222 Berkeley St.) will open early at 11a.m. with a deal on six Tico tacos and five Coronitas for just $30. The Salty Pig (130 Dartmouth St.) will run a special menu of pastas and salads all day, but prepare to battle for a seat.